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Arrest made in central Iowa animal abandonment & neglect case

News

November 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Des Mines Police Department has made an arrest in the investigation involving the neglect and abandonment of a puppy last month. Officials say at around 1:30-p.m. on Oct 12th, Des Moines Animal Services and Des Moines Police Department patrol officers responded to reports of a dog that was intentionally dumped from a vehicle in an apartment complex parking lot near the 3500 blk of E. Douglas Ave. The dog did not have a collar and was not micro-chipped. An examination discovered the dog showed numerous signs of neglect. Despite efforts to save the animal, authorities say due to its health circumstances, it was necessary that the puppy be humanely euthanized.

This dog was abandoned on Oct. & later euthanized due to its neglected health.

46-year-old Des Moines resident Raquel Fernandez was identified as a suspect in the case. She faces charges that include 2 counts of Animal Neglect With Injury Or Death, and, Animal Abandonment.

The investigation, conducted by the Chief Humane Officer of the Des Moines Police Department Animal Care and Control Unit, found the following:

•At a point during the first six months of 2023, the puppy sustained injuries, including one that resulted in spinal misalignment, that were not properly cared for.
•The puppy was intentionally and deliberately abandoned on 12 October.

During the investigation, Raquel Fernandez, and one other person, were identified as being present when the puppy was abandoned and primary caregivers for the puppy when it was injured. The Des Moines Police Department continues this investigation. An additional arrest is expected.